69 year-old saxophone player Clarence Clemons, who gained fame as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, reportedly suffered a stroke Sunday at his home in Florida.  According to reports, Clemons required two brain surgeries after the stroke, and he is "currently responsive and in stable condition, though still in a fight for his life."

A source close to the legendary musician told the Springsteen fan magazine Backstreets: "Yesterday, it did not look good at all. Today... miracles are happening. His vital signs are improving. He's responsive. His eyes are welling up when we're talking to him. He was paralyzed on his left side, but now he's squeezing with his left hand. This is the best news we've heard since [the stroke] happened - it's nothing short of miraculous. The next five days will still be critical. But he's a fighter."

Nicknamed "Big Man," Clemons has been a major part of Springsteen's sound for nearly forty years, particularly on hits such as "Born to Run" and "Thunder Road".  He has been a major force in the music industry, contributing on albums by artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to Twisted Sister to Luther Vandross, and many, many more.  He performed for a time with the Grateful Dead, and was a part of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band.  Most recently, Clemons performed on a pair of tracks on pop superstar Lady Gag's recently released "Born the Way" album, and joined her onstage during the May 25th season finale of "American Idol".